Brewster to Participate in Battle Against Hunger

Harrisburg, Sept. 26, 2013 – More than 50 members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including state Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), will battle each other in a fight against hunger.

To close out Hunger Action Month, Brewster will play in the first-ever Capitol All-Stars Softball Game on Sept. 30 at Metro Bank Park in Harrisburg.

“Nearly one out of every six Pennsylvanians is at risk of hunger and may not know where their next meal is coming from,” Brewster said. “This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about hunger in our communities while generating significant resources to help charities and nonprofits that are working to feed Pennsylvanians in need.”

The game will benefit Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania. Both organizations are dedicated to relieving hunger for the more than two million Pennsylvanians in need through their statewide network of affiliated food banks, food pantries, and other hunger relief organizations.

September is Hunger Action Month, when food banks across the nation unite to urge individuals to take action to fight hunger in their communities. Among the groups that will benefit from the game is the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which Brewster said plays a critical role in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Revenue is being generated through sponsorships, a $5 donation at the gate (or a donation of five non-perishable food items) and a raffle of items donated by many of the state’s professional and college sports teams.

With so many legislators playing, and with every area of the state represented, House and Senate members will be divided into East and West teams — not Republican or Democrat — with Senator Brewster playing on the West team.

“This truly is a bipartisan effort and demonstrates how all of us can come together to fight for a good cause — ending hunger in Pennsylvania,” Brewster said.

The game is being sponsored by the Pennsylvania Legislative Services (PLS) and the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN), which will air the gamed LIVE that evening. The game begins at 5:30 p.m.

In addition, donations can be made online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/PAAllStars.

For more information, visit http://www.mypls.com/CapitolAllStarsSoftball/tabid/2490/Default.aspx.

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Brewster to Host Senior Wellness and Safety Expo

Harrisburg, Sept. 26, 2013 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) encouraged seniors to take advantage of a variety of free health screenings and services available at the Wellness and Safety Expo in McKeesport on Oct. 4.

“The expo is a great opportunity for seniors to get access to several health services in one convenient location,” said Brewster.

Attendees can get screenings for memory impairment, bone density, body fat, pulmonary function and balance. Blood pressure tests and stress relieving massages will also be available.

Flu shots will be provided by Forbes Hospital. Attendees covered by Medicare Part B should bring their Medicare card to the event, and Forbes Hospital will bill their Medicare carrier directly. Those without Medicare should be prepared to pay a $25 fee at the time of vaccination.

The Senior Wellness and Safety Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the McKeesport Palisades, 100 Fifth Ave., McKeesport. Refreshments will be provided.

“This is a chance to be proactive and take preventive action,” Brewster said. “I urge seniors in the area to attend.”

For more information, contact Kathy Jo Osman in Senator Brewster’s McKeesport office at 412-664-5200 or kosman@pasenate.com.

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